Revoe Primary School: Head teacher suspended after 'knife-wielding pupil' put in isolation room to cool down

Cath Woodall, a primary school head teacher, and five other staff have been
suspended after a pupil who allegedly threatened classmates with a knife
stolen from the Revoe Primary School kitchen was shut in a lockable room.

Cath Woodall, inset, head teacher at Revoe Primary School in BlackpoolPhoto: CAVENDISH PRESS

Blackpool Council and Lancashire Police have launched an inquiry, although the council said it did not believe any child had come to harm.

It is understood the alarm was raised after one parent said the room was the size of a cupboard.

In a letter to parents, Charlotte Clarke, the council's head of universal services and school effectiveness, wrote: "Before half-term Blackpool Council became concerned about the professional judgment made by these staff in relation to the well-being of pupils when isolating them during challenging behaviour.

"This has led to six members of staff being suspended. The suspensions are a neutral act to allow a full investigation to take place as quickly as possible.”

One member of staff not suspended defended the actions of the teachers, saying they had few options when confronted with the knife.

"The issue is one of false imprisonment of a nine year old ... because the door on the small calming down room is lockable," the teacher said.

"This boy had really lost it and he had taken a knife from the kitchen. What were the staff supposed to do?"

Parents were bewildered by the number of teachers suspended.

Nicola Pearce, 46, from Mereside, who has one daughter at the school, said: "When I had a look at the letter I couldn't believe it.

"One member of staff being suspended is bad enough but six is shocking.

"I hope it's not going to affect my child."

A temporary head teacher had been drafted into the 489 pupil school while the investigation continues.

In a statement, Councillor Sarah Riding, the council's cabinet member for education and schools, said: "Before half-term we were made aware of an issue at Revoe Primary School that raised concerns to us about the professional judgment made by a number of staff in relation to pupil well-being.

"These concerns have led to the suspension of six members of staff while a full investigation is carried out. It would not be appropriate to comment further on the nature of the investigation until it has been concluded.

"Although we have no reason to suspect any child has come to harm this is a serious situation that needed immediate action to be taken.

"In the meantime temporary staff have been recruited and there will be no disruption to children's learning. All parents will receive a letter explaining the current arrangements in place."